The Polycom logo symbolizes a company’s journey from an idea to a leader in the field of communication, creating convenient and reliable solutions for remote interaction. The story began with the development of a conferencing system that elevated the brand to a new level through an innovative approach to technology.
Polycom: Brand overview
In 1990, Brian L. Hinman and Jeffrey Rodman, formerly of PictureTel Corp, founded Polycom with a vision to transform the telecommunications landscape. The company announced itself in 1992 with the SoundStation, a revolutionary speakerphone that quickly became a commercial success.
In the 1990s, Polycom expanded its business beyond speakerphones to include videoconferencing technologies and audio and visual collaboration software. Significant technological advances include the 1998 release of the ViewStation videoconferencing system and the 2006 introduction of the ViaVideo indoor telepresence system.
Six years after its founding, in 1996, Polycom decided to go public. This move catalyzed the company’s growth to become a leader in conference call devices, video conferencing equipment, and various collaboration services.
In 2018, Polycom was acquired by Plantronics for $2 billion. The combined company, Poly, adopted a new corporate identity the following year. In 2022, HP Inc. announced plans to acquire Polycom for $1.7 billion to strengthen its suite of solutions for hybrid work environments.
Polycom has set new standards in the telecommunications industry with its innovative conferencing and video conferencing products, ultimately becoming a valuable acquisition for major companies such as Plantronics and HP Inc.
Meaning and History
1990 – 2012
2012 – 2019
The Polycom logo combines simplicity and symbolism, effectively conveying the company’s specialization in communications. The primary graphic element consists of three intersecting circles overlapping one another. In vibrant red, the largest circle is the focal point, symbolizing energy, activity, and the company’s central role in its field. Two gray circles, rendered transparently, add depth and dimension to the composition, visually emphasizing connection and interaction. A subtle gradient on the gray circles enhances the sense of dynamism, evoking the transmission of data or sound.
The geometry of the circles underscores the company’s core concept—unity, interaction, and connectivity. This perfectly aligns with its focus on audio and video communications. The overlapping circles are perceived as a symbol of collaboration, a unified network, and technological integration.
Next to the graphic element is the company name, written in a strict yet modern sans-serif font that makes the text clear and easy to read. The letters have smooth, even lines that emphasize technological sophistication and reliability. Only the first letter is capitalized, balancing professionalism and approachability.
The brand’s color scheme features red and gray, which complement each other harmoniously. Red represents energy, strength, and confidence, while gray symbolizes reliability, professionalism, and stability. Together, the palette conveys the company’s message of progress, technological prowess, and confidence in its solutions to clients.
The name combines meaningful roots: “poly”—many and “com”—communication, directly pointing to the company’s focus on creating technologies for interaction and communication. The name and design highlight the company’s global reach and dedication to sophisticated, effective communication solutions.
The Polycom emblem is simple yet rich in meaning. It reflects the brand’s values: technology, unity, and collaboration. The circles and font complement each other harmoniously, creating a memorable and impactful image.